With a 40% lower estimated cost compared with most other recycled PET technologies, PTI Recycling Systems' LNO processing unit can be integrated at any point in the supply chain without requiring massive capital investment or costly distribution networks, Stephen Hawksworth told ICISnews at the triennial NPE2009 show in ?xml:namespace>Chicago.

The base unit produces 4,500 tonnes/year of recycled PET on less than 2,500 square feet, and is also available in a larger 9,000 tonne/year unit.

More importantly, the system generates the demand needed to grow a sustainable recycling culture in areas otherwise dominated by the use-and-bury lifecycle of plastics, and negates much of the prohibitively expensive logistics costs that have long throttled recycled PET growth.

"There has been a tsunami of interest from people who want to avoid those logistics problems associated with [recycled] PET," Hawksworth said.

International interest has been especially strong in Brazil, where Sao Paulo authorities are bandying a mandated 90% collection rate for recycled PET, he added.

Once installed, the system only requires the preferred drying fuel and electricity, and can be fully controlled by one operator, Hawksworth added.

Plastic Technologies president Craig Barrow said that his company's new subsidiary is not just engaged in traditional equipment sales, but aims to provide ongoing support and upgrades as the technology continuously improves.

By enabling the low-cost creation of small regional and mobile recycling hubs, Hawksworth said that the increased demand for PET flakes should also encourage higher PET reclamation rates.

The International Plastics Showcase (NPE) in Chicago was expected to draw 75,000 participants and runs through Friday.